NASHVILLE --- The final scrimmage of Camp 2016 was opposite of the first encounter. The Tiger defense dominated from the start during the 60-game contest on Saturday evening.

The offense moved down the field on the opening drive with an even mixture of passes and runs, while receiving some assistance from three defensive penalties. But the drive ran into a road block at the 12 yard line. With third and long, O’Shay Ackerman-Carter was intercepted in the end zone by Trevion Duncan to end the initial threat.

Senior cornerback Ezra Robinson followed Duncan’s cue on the very next drive as he picked off a Ronald Butler pass and returned it untouched for a touchdown. The two interceptions set the tone for the remainder of the skirmish.

The defense continued to make big plays as linebacker Antonio Justice helped halt the third drive. The offense tried to get things going attempting to convert on a fourth down play. Justice charged around the left side of the line and elevated to knock down an Ackerman-Carter attempt to end the series in favor of the White shirts.

The defense continued to dominate throughout the evening before the offense mustard up a shortened drive at the end. The Blue squad got on the board as E.J. Junior powered in from the two on the last play of the scrimmage for the only offensive score of the scrimmage.

The Tigers will begin its normal practice schedule this week with the start of classes. TSU will continue to work over the next two weeks in preparation for the season opener on Sept. 3 against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

Defensive Coordinator, Osita Alaribe- On the Success of the Defense during Final Scrimmage“I think the guys did a great job communicating. They had fun today playing together. I think we developed a great chemistry amongst each other today.”

- On the Play of the Secondary“Our secondary coaches, Ed Sanders and Mikhal Kornegay, have been doing a great job with our secondary. They have the guy’s technically sound and understanding the overall scheme. On the D-line, everything starts with the pass rush. The best pass defense is the pass rush

Junior Linebacker, Chris Collins- On the Growth during Camp“I felt like we progressed throughout the whole camp, offensively and defensively. We became closer as a team. We are eliminating a lot of mistakes, but we have to eliminate the stupid penalties. I think we are get a lot better every day. We are not messing up on the same things and I think we are growing up.”

- On the Beginning of Classes“You have to have a great focus with so many elements added to you with class and people on campus. It is easy to mess up. I was telling the team we need to stay locked in on the vision we have and everything will work itself out."

- On the Start of the Season“It is real exciting. I am glad camp is over. It was pretty tough, but I feel like it will be worth it in the end. I feel like we are going to have a great season and everyone is ready.”

Redshirt-Sophomore Quarterback, O’Shay Ackerman-Carter- On the Offense“I feel like we will be alright going into the season. We have some things to clean up, but we have to weeks and I believe we will it that done.”

- On the Defense“They just played football. They we were flying around making plays. Big props to them, they were on it today.”

- On the Start of the Season“We are all excited. Many of us, it is our second year and we know what to expect. The coaches will prepare us and we will just come and play with our A-game.”

Redshirt-Sophomore Defensive Tackle, Terrence Summers- On the defensive Play“We played good up front, the linebackers set the edges and the DB’s did their job. It was a good day, a dominating day.”

- On the Start of the Season“Camp is over, but class and study hall is starting up. We need to stay focused and it will be a great season. This will be my first game ever for TSU. It will be exciting, the crowd will be loud and I’m just ready for it.”